Fantasy Football Top 5 – RB Handcuffs

WEEK 3 – TOP 5 RB Handcuffs or Backups:

1- Cameron Artis-Payne- Carolina

Payne played a bit in 2016 but this is more about Jonathan Stewart. Stewart had one of his healthier seasons in 2016 and produced. But you can’t be confident he can do it again because history shows he won’t. And with Cam Newton getting better and better and Kelvin Benjamin back in for the Panthers their offense should be improved.

2- Branden Oliver- San Diego

Melvin Gordon was not impressive at all as a rookie as the Chargers struggled. Danny Woodhead became the more valuable back by far as the season rolled by. But he isn’t going to carry the ball a lot if at any. And early struggles by Gordon could quickly put him in bust mode like Montee Ball was for Denver so quick. Oliver has produced in the past so I wouldn’t be shocked.

3- Chris Thompson- Washington

As a Redskins fan I saw this one play out last season with Matt Jones. Jones showed some promise as a rookie but the coaches lost confidence with him as the season went on due to the big three faults…he fumbles, lack of confidence in pass protection and eventually couldn’t stay healthy. I am nervous Jones isn’t a true starting back. On the other hand Thompson showed a lot in his small amount of opportunities behind Jones and Morris. But his demon is also staying healthy.

4- Bilal Powell- NY Jets

Matt Forte has been a productive fantasy star over his long running back career. But has he reached that point of running back death? It has to concern you that the Bears had no problem moving on from Forte. Usually that means no good for fantasy. And Powell has been solid as a backup for the Jets in the past and even moved past Chris Ivory at times last season.

5- Giovanni Bernard- Cincinnati

The best and most experienced of the group as Bernard is almost a starter in Cincy. So not sure he really should count but I am adding him. I wasn’t really a huge fan of Bernard last season but their number one guy listed Jeremy Hill was worst. Bernard is still young and could move ahead of Hill if he struggles like he did last season. Bernard is really a tough call as he could go in round three or four way ahead of the rest of these guys.

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